Sea Cliffs

Inishturk is renowned for its' majestic cliffs and is regarded by many as the highlight of their visit. The vantage point where the Buachaill Mor and Buachaill Beag sea stacks can be viewed, will take your breath away. From here, follow the clifftop all the way to Dromore Head for some great vistas - a match for any cliffs on the western seaboard.

Ornithology enthusiasts will be enthralled by the number of bird sanctuaries on the island cliffs. - Flora and Fauna - The flora of Inishturk is of international importance, The Spotted Rock-Rose (Tuberaria guttata) a rear endangered plant is found here.

Signal Tower

The signal tower was built between 1805 & 1806 during the Neopleonic wars. There were 82 towers built along the western seaboard finishing on Malin Head no 82. Inishturk was no 57. The system used was a heliograph or steel plate polished to reflect the rays of the sun to passing ships, the first morse code to discourage Napoleon's warships. The tower is located on the highest point on the island and offers spectacular views from Achill to Connemara. As part of Féile na Mara celebrations in Achill we take part with both Achill and Clare island in a fire lighting ceremony where we light fires simultaneously near the ruins of our signal towers.

Portdoon

The remains of a Ninth Century AD, Dun or Fort overlooks the only natural lagoon on any of the offshore island’s. The little harbour got its name from the Dun it is known as Port An Dun and was used by the Norse men during their raids as Gold was found there.

Portdoon, as a natural lagoon is only accessible by small boats or curraghs as the entrance is quite narrow. It is used for both pleasure and fishing as several local crafts operate from here. Portdoon is the perfect place for swimming and pier jumping at high tide.

Cahir Island

The mystical Caher Island, slightly more than 128 acres, lies halfway between Inishturk and Ronnagh Pier. On this striking, wedge shaped little island is an Early Christian monastery with the remains of a chapel in an enclosure adorned with the original 7th century carved crosses. These magnificent examples of early Christian art are accessed via boat from Inishturk. The Island also seems to have contained the hermitage sites of seventh century monks, perhaps followers of St Columba. On 15th of August each year there is a pilgrimage to Caher Island. For many people this pattern is an integral part of the annual pilgrimage to climb Croagh Patrick on the last Sunday in July.

Community Activity Pitch

A magnificent new sports field and newly constructed dressing rooms are now freely open to the general public where people of all ages can actively take part in various activities. The football field was completed in 2010 and the dressing rooms were constructed in 2012. The football field was co funded at the time by the Department of Community, Rural and Gaeltacht Affairs and Inishturk Community Club.During the summer period we host various sports days including events for all ages which offer great opportunity for family days out.The sports field is also available for private training sessions. It is an ideal location for quiet team building sessions. Inishturk community sports field has already been sought after by teams from Kilmacud and Clontarf as an ideal training ground.In 2012 & 2015 Inishturk were hosts to the All-Islands football tournament. This unique event takes place on a different island around the coast each year. Inishturk first time hosts of this event welcomed two hundred people made up of players and supporters from Galway, Mayo, Cork and Donegal.

The Old Church

The old church up on the hill was in use in the penal times dating back to the sixteenth century for the west end with the east end added in the famine times. The roof was taken to repair a church roof on the mainland in 1877.

Inishturk

Inishturk is a small beautiful island, 5km x 2.5km, located 9 miles (14.5km) off the west coast of Mayo. It rises boldly from the wild North Atlantic in wall-like cliffs to the northwest and steep hills to the north on which stands the ruins of the old signal tower 688 ft above sea level.

Getting Here

The main embarkation point to Inishturk is Roonagh Pier. O'Malleys Ferries operate a daily service to the Island. Please see ferry schedule for details.